Coaches Alliance Minutes - 06/05/04
June 5, 2004 Presiding: Rich Ede, Claremont -- Southern Vice-President I. Introduction -- Rich Ede Alliance President Brad Peters, and Northern Vice-President Ernie Lee had their apologies and regrets forwarded by Rich Ede. Family and team obligations prevented them from attending today. II. State Advisory Committee report -- Hal Harkness, Rules interpreter Hal gave a brief summary of the role of the State Track and Cross Country Advisory Committe Rotation. It meets twice a year to discuss concerns in the sport and forward to the State Federated Council proposals for changes. Hal reminded the meeting that changes take time. The Alliance has a voting seat on this committee and is usually represented by the Alliance President. Hal gave an overview of thee current proposals being considered on the Advisory Committee. For Cross Country, the at-large formula is being looked at to expand from the top 10 teams at state to the top 12 teams to provide a deeper, and therefore more accurate, basis for comparison. Also being considered is a larger window for individuals to qualify to the state meet. Hal went on to explain that the Advisory Committee is the oversight body for the State Championship events. In track -the changed order of gender for running events went unnoticed by many, even though it was listed in the on-line bulletin for some time.The State Cross Country Meet was done well as always, and hats off to Buchanan’s Marty Simpson and Brian Weaver. George Varvas suggested coaches' input to select coaches' representatives to the Advisory Committee from each section. Hal explained that Sections alone determine representatives, and any Alliance input would have to come at that level. III.Alliance suggestions to Advisory Committee A. Steeplechase Rich Ede opened the floor for discussion in possible changes in allowing non-dual meet events.The first item was questioning why the steeplechase has been specifically disallowed. Rich Ede noted that the National Federation allows it so why not why not CIF? Hal explained that the Advisory Committee, and the State CIF Office were concerned about the lack of proper training facilities at high schools as one consideration. Numerous coaches countered that the same situation exists with the pole vault at many schools, and training has to be done at proper facilities off-campus. Hal brought up that liability apprehensions were also a large factor in deciding against allowing the steeple. Hal recommended that the Alliance make any suggestion it wants to, but understand the process and concerns of the Committee and the Federated Council. Discussion from the floor was lively, including pointing out that age-group track (AAU, National Scholastic, USATF Junior Olympics) contest the event. Rich Madeline suggested requiring proof of coaching training in the event as a way of diminishing liability concerns. A sub-committee was formed to meet prior to the next Alliance General Meeting, and come up with a draft for the Alliance to consider passing on to the Advisory Committee. The committee will consist of Rich Ede, Rich Madeline, Tim O'Rourke, and Peter Brewer. B. Advancement to State Meet on times not achieved in Masters Meet but in division section finals. The idea was brought up to consider using the state at-large qualifying time as an entry tpot he State Meet, regardless of which level of post-season competition the time was achieved at. After discussion, the consensus was that this would open a real can of worms. Several possible negative scenarios were brought up, including having athletes and coaches strategize running easily in subsequent rounds, coaches withholding athletes from events the last meet, lack of competitive urgency in the last round of competition, et cetera. The idea was tabled. C. Starting time for the State Track Meet Hal explained that the start times are based on trying to avoid the excessive heat that frequently occurs in June in Sacramento and at Cerritos College. With the at-large entries adding extra heats tot he state meet, the trials day tends to run a bit long. IV. Create an appointed position to be the web page coordinator There was general approval to have thee executive committee appoint someone to take on the position to be responsible for updating and monitoring the web site, in order to keep it a viable coaching resource. V. Venue and Springco presentation These two companies have now merged, and they want to continue to be the preeminent California high school supplier. The merger is going well, despite some growing pains, but they will continue to support primarily prep track. This year they are going to establish road representatives who will make personal visits to campuses to facilitate contact and ordering. They urged coaches to keep in contact. They also wish to keep up sponsorships of events and meets. VI. Promote the Clinics Peter Brewer is organizing the Northern California Cross Country clinic. Walt Van Zant mentioned that we need to invigorate and upgrade the Northern California track clinic. VII Financial news -- Walt Van Zant presented an informal report. The Alliance has established a stable base in our account of about $20,000. Now that Venue/Springco is sponsoring our web site, we have enough through memberships and clinics that we can cover the annual insurance The next Alliance Meeting TBA. The meeting was adjourned by Rich Ede. Respectfully submitted Peter Brewer, NCS representative